Learning on the job: a close look at teachers’ informal learning in the workplace

Abstract

ABSTRACT Professional learning is crucial, especially for teachers who prepare students for the future which changes very fast and requires various competencies. One way of the professional learning activities is formal learning, discussed due to deficiencies in organisation and fulfilment process. The other way is informal learning which may be found to be more powerful in the workplace compared to formal professional learning activities. The current study focuses on the interaction of eight English teachers regarding their informal learning in the workplace. The purpose is to determine the resources for their informal learning, their learning topics, and their needs to benefit from them more. It reveals three main resources for informal learning in the workplace interpersonal, intrapersonal, and learning by oneself. Various education and instructional issues can be informal learning topics among teachers, and peer supervision mostly fits the needs of teachers for more beneficial informal learning in the workplace.